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A to Z of Bonsai Terms

Welcome to the A to Z of Bonsai.

We are compiling a worldwide A to Z of Bonsai database. The A to Z is written collaboratively by the people who use it and we would like to encourage anyone reading this page to contribute to what has become the worlds greatest encyclopedia of bonsai terms. Entries when they are made will be added to an editable list which will be checked prior to publication. Photos and images of the bonsai term can be added and links made to relevant web pages. So if you would like to help then just click the "Add Your Own Term" button.

JADE - (CRASSULA ARBORESSCENS/OVATA) - Also known as "Money Tree". Technically not a tree but a succulent of which there are many varieties but arborescens is the most common for BONSAI>BONSAI. The "spongey" trunk bears thick, round, grey-green LEAVES which are borne in pairs at right angles to the previous pair.
WARNING : Water can be the worst enemy of the jade plant. They put out ROOTS in dry soil to find water, whereas other SPECIES only root where water is present. Never keep roots constantly wet.

JAPANESE LARCH - The Japanese larch (LARIX KAEMPFERI) is a slender, upright trees with bright green, NEEDLE-like LEAVES, which turn golden in autumn before shedding in winter.
The Japanese larch is distinguishable by its red/orange new twigs which darken to almost purple in winter.
See LARCH (LARIX) for details

JAPANESE TERMS (LIST) - Most of the mainstream terms relating to tree type, style or tree parts can be found defined individually in the appropriate section of this AtoZ.
The attached website provides a comprehensive list of Japanese terms related to BONSAI>BONSAI which also includes some of the less common terms.

JIN - In BONSAI>BONSAI, jin is the Japanese term that refers to a dead branch which has lost its BARK. It may also be used as a verb i.e. to jin (a branch).
In the wild, dead branches are eventually bleached white or pale grey by the elements. This occurs commonly in confers, especially JUNIPERS and pines, but less so in DECIDUOUS TREEs (oak would be an exception).
The process is replicated in bonsai by shortening branches to stubs, stripping the bark and splintering the HEARTWOOD to a naturalistic form. The jin may then be arificially bleached in order to reproduce the colour seen in nature.
Jin means "God" and is symbolic of the Supreme Being's influence on nature.

JINPLIERS>JIN PLIERS - These specialist pliers are normally used for the forming of jin.
They (often but not always) have a "bent nose" which facilitates the gripping and tearing of BARK and wood when stripping a stub down to HEARTWOOD.
They are also useful for holding and bending the thicker gauges of wire.

BONSAI>BONSAICERAMICS>JOHN PITT BONSAI CERAMICS - Based in Derbyshire, UK - maker of high quality hand-made Bonsai and ACCENT POTs for the discerning enthusiast. Very interesting section on website on pot selection criteria. Pots can be reserved or commissions ordered. Not all pots for sale are in the online shop. Need to contact to check stock. UK delivery is free.
Contact : •Email: john@johnpittbonsaiceramics.co.uk •Telephone/Fax: 01283 733479 •Mobile: 07940 580634
Please contact me if you want to commission a pot or see if I have anything suitable on the shelf

JU-SHIN - Top of the tree. It is also called ''ATAMA'' (head of the tree) and ''shin'' (APEX of a tree).
In preparing for a BONSAI>BONSAI tree's SHAPE, the appearance of its top in a satisfactory form affects the status of the tree.

JUDGING CRITERIA - There are several key aspects which are considered in judging a BONSAI>BONSAI in bonsai competitions. The following list describes the key areas which are usually individually weighted in "scoring" a tree, although at the end of the day significant personal interpretation and judgement is applied when considering these aspects :
- Overall artistic effect
- Trunk base and root spread
- Trunk structure, TAPER and BARK
- Precision of PRUNING, WIRING and pot position
- Presentation and health of tree and any UNDERPLANTING or moss.
- Miniaturisation of LEAVES

JUNIPER - CHINESE (JUNIPERUS SINENSIS) - EVERGREEN tree originating from mountains of Japan is distinguished by rich, green, cloud-like foliage emanating from flaky, grey/brown BARK covered trunks which, in older specimens, can be gnarled and TWISTED with areas of naturally occuring, exposed "driftwood".
Most common VARIETY used in BONSAI>BONSAI is Sargentii but Aurea, Japonica, Kaizuka and Pyramidalis are also used.
STYLE : All styles except broom
WARNING : Pot grown plants can shed branches as the tree does naturally in the wild. If extending SHOOTS are left uncut then inner foliage will die off, spoiling the overall SHAPE